第20章 保罗被囚
§1
第20章 保罗被囚
§2
Chapter 20—Paul a Prisoner
§3
保罗第二天就开始实行长老们的建议。当时在耶路撒冷的信徒中，有四个离俗日子行将届满的拿细耳人(见《民数记》六章)。但他们洁净的祭还没有奉献。祭物相当昂贵，很穷的人是负担不起的。一个有钱的人若承担这笔开支，从而帮助穷苦的弟兄实现自己的誓言，这在犹太人看来是一件虔诚之举。保罗答应为这四个基督徒拿细耳人做这件事。虽然他自己并不宽裕，要靠自己的双手维持生活，他还是乐意支付这笔费用，带他们进了圣殿，陪他们参加七日洁净的仪式。{LP 214.2}[1]
§4
On the following day Paul proceeded to comply with the counsel of the elders. There were among the believers in Jerusalem at that time?four persons who were under the Nazarite vow, [Numbers 6.] the term of which had nearly expired. Certain sacrifices for purification were yet to be offered, which were so costly as to be impossible for a very poor man. It was considered by the Jews a pious act for a wealthy man to defray the necessary expenses and thus assist his poorer brethren to complete their vow. This, Paul had consented to do for the four Christian Nazarites. The apostle himself was poor, working with his own hands for his daily bread, yet he willingly incurred this expense, and accompanied the Nazarites to the temple to unite with them in the ceremonies of the seven days of purification.?{LP 214.2}[1]
§5
那些向保罗建议这一件事的人没有充分考虑到他会遇见的危险。在这个节期，耶路撒冷的街道上挤满了从世界各地而来的人，他们欢天喜地聚集在圣殿的院子里。保罗过去在履行自己的使命将福音传到外邦时，曾访问过欧西世界许多最大的城市，所以在那些从外省来耶路撒冷过节的人中有成千的人是认识保罗的。要保罗在节期进入圣殿，是要冒生命危险的。头几天他进出圣殿，似乎没有被人注意，但在所指定的期限尚未届满之前，当他正和一个祭司商谈献祭的问题时，他就被几个来自亚细亚的犹太人认出来了。这些人在以弗所会堂里同保罗辩论时曾被保罗驳倒。当他们看见保罗在以弗所建立起一个基督教会时，就越发对他仇恨。他们现在看见他在他们以为他不敢去的地方——圣殿之中，正好落入他们手中，他们决心为他的大胆而让他吃苦。{LP 215.1}[2]
§6
Those who had counseled Paul to perform this act of concession had not fully considered the great peril to which he would be exposed. At this season, strangers from all regions of the world thronged the streets of Jerusalem, and delighted to congregate in the temple courts. As Paul, in the fulfillment of his commission, had borne the gospel to the Gentiles, he had visited many of the world’s largest cities, and was well known to thousands who came from foreign parts to attend the feast. For him to enter the temple on a public occasion was to risk his life. For several days he passed in and out among the worshipers, apparently unnoticed; but before the close of the specified period, as he was conversing with the priest concerning the sacrifices to be offered, he was recognized by some of the Jews from Asia. These men had been defeated in their controversy with him in the synagogue at Ephesus, and had become more and more enraged against him as they witnessed his success in?raising up a Christian church in that city. They now saw him where they had not supposed that he would trust himself,—within the very precincts of the temple. Now he was in their power, and they determined to make him suffer for his boldness.?{LP 215.1}[2]
§7
他们以魔鬼般的狂怒向他冲来，喊叫说：“以色列人来帮助，这就是在各处教训众人糟践我们百姓和律法，并这地方的。”当众人激动地前来响应时，他们又火上加油地给他加上了罪名说：“他又带着希腊人进殿，污秽了这圣地”（徒21：28）。{LP 216.1}[3]
§8
With the fury of demons they rushed upon him, crying, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place.” And as the people in great excitement flocked to the scene another accusation was added to excite their passions to the highest pitch,—“and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.”?{LP 216.1}[3]
§9
根据犹太人的律法，一个没有受过割礼的人如果进了圣殿的内院，就必被判处死刑。有人曾在城里看见保罗同以弗所人特罗非摩在一起，所以这时他们以为保罗也把他带进圣殿来了。其实保罗并没有这样做，而且他自己既是犹太人，他进入圣殿本是合法的。虽然当时控告的话是完全虚构的，但终于引起了公愤。当众人把这一句话传遍圣殿院内时，聚在那里的群众就激怒如狂。这消息迅速地传遍了耶路撒冷，结果“合城都震动，百姓一齐跑来” （徒21：30）。{LP 216.2}[4]
§10
By the Jewish law, it was a crime punishable with death for an uncircumcised person to enter the inner courts of the sacred edifice. As Paul had been seen in the city in company with Trophimus, an Ephesian, it was conjectured that he had brought him into the temple. This he had not done, and being himself a Jew, his act in entering the temple was no violation of the law. But though the charge was wholly false, it served to stir up the popular prejudice. As the cry was taken up and borne through the temple courts, the vast throngs gathered there were thrown into the wildest excitement. The news quickly spread through Jerusalem, “and all the city was moved, and the people ran together.”?{LP 216.2}[4]
§11
众人听说一个犹太教的叛徒竟敢趁千万人从世界各地前来朝拜上帝的时候污秽圣殿，这就刺激了群众的情绪到了最炽烈的程度。只是由于他们对圣殿的尊敬，才使保罗免于在当场被撕碎。他们怀着报复性的胜利感，又打又喊，把保罗从圣殿拉出去。他们既已把他弄到手，就决计不让他跑掉。他们要用石头把他打死，像多年前对待司提反那样。他们已经到了外邦人的院子，利未人关了圣殿的门，唯恐圣地被血弄脏。就在这时，他们谋杀的计划被打断了。{LP 216.3}[5]
§12
That an apostate from Israel should presume to profane the temple at the very time when thousands had come from all parts of the world to worship there, excited the fiercest passions of the mob. Only their reverence for the temple saved the apostle from being torn in pieces on the?spot. With violent blows and shouts of vindictive triumph, they dragged him from the sacred inclosure. Now that they had him in their power, they were determined not to lose their prey. He should be stoned to death, as Stephen had been years before. They had already reached the court of the Gentiles, and the Levites had closed the gates behind them, lest the holy place should be polluted with blood, when they were interrupted in their murderous designs.?{LP 216.3}[5]
§13
有消息传到罗马驻军的千夫长革老丢吕西亚耳中，说耶路撒冷全城都乱了。吕西亚很了解自己所必须应付的这些疯狂的群众，故立时带着几名军官和一支精兵冲往圣殿的外院。这个罗马千夫长不知道骚乱的原因，但既见群众的愤怒都集中在保罗身上，就断定保罗必是那个漏网的埃及叛匪。他下令抓住保罗，用铁链把他绑在在两个士兵之间，一人一只手。然后就问几个似乎是为首闹事的，这是什么人，犯的是什么罪。立时有许多人愤怒地控告他，但由于吵闹声，千夫长弄不清是怎么回事，就下令把囚犯带到罗马人驻扎的营楼去。{LP 217.1}[6]
§14
News had been carried to Claudius Lysias, the commander of the Roman garrison, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Lysias well knew the turbulent elements with which he had to deal, and with his officers and a strong force of armed men he rushed down to the temple court. Ignorant of the cause of the tumult, but seeing that the rage of the multitude was directed against Paul, the Roman captain concluded that he must be the Egyptian rebel who had so successfully eluded their vigilance. He commanded that Paul be seized, and bound between two soldiers, a hand being chained to each. He then questioned those who seemed to be leaders in the tumult as to who their prisoner was, and of what crime he had been guilty. Many voices were at once raised in loud and angry accusation; but on account of the uproar the chief captain could obtain no satisfactory information, and he ordered that the prisoner be removed to the castle, where were the Roman barracks.?{LP 217.1}[6]
§15
众人看见他们的掠物将要从手中被夺走，就暴怒如狂。他们拥挤得凶猛，士兵们只得将保罗抬起来离了圣殿到了台阶上。鼓动祭司和百姓的，是三十年以前鼓动人喊着要流上帝儿子血的同样的撒但精神。从台阶和下面的群众中又一次响起了震耳欲聋的喊叫声：“除掉他！除掉他！”{LP 217.2}[7]
§16
The rage of the multitude was unbounded when they saw their prey about to be taken from their grasp; and they surged and pressed so closely about Paul that the soldiers were compelled to bear him in their arms up the staircase?which led from the temple. Priests and people were actuated by the same Satanic spirit that moved them thirty years before to clamor for the blood of the Son of God. From the staircase and from the crowd below again echoed the deafening shout, “Away with him! Away with him!”?{LP 217.2}[7]
§17
保罗在这次暴动中依然是镇静沉着的。他坚心依赖上帝，并知道有天使在他身边。但他不愿意在没有向自己的同胞宣讲真理之前就离开圣殿。所以他转向千夫长，以尊敬的口吻用希腊语说：“我对你说句话，可以不可以?”吕西亚惊讶地询问，他把囚犯当作上次叛乱中率领暴徒凶手的匪首，是不是弄错了。保罗回答说，他不是埃及人，而是“犹太人，生在基利家的大数，并不是无名小城的人。”然后他要求允许让他向百姓说话。上帝使他仆人的话对罗马军官产生影响，他的要求被批准了。{LP 218.1}[8]
§18
In the midst of the tumult the apostle remained calm and self-possessed. His mind was stayed upon God, and he knew that angels of Heaven were about him. He could not leave the temple without making an effort to set the truth before his countrymen. He therefore turned to the commanding officer, and in a deferential manner addressed him in Greek, saying, “May I speak with thee?” In astonishment Lysias inquired if he was indeed mistaken in supposing the prisoner to have been the ring-leader of a band of robbers and murderers in the late rebellion. In reply, Paul declared that he was no Egyptian, but a Jew of “Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city,” and begged that he might be permitted to speak to the people. The Lord had given his servant an influence over the Roman officer, and the request was granted.?{LP 218.1}[8]
§19
“保罗就站在台阶上，向百姓摆手。”这种举动引起了众人的注意，同时他的风度也博得了众人的尊重。就像基督从圣殿院子里赶出买卖人时一样，局面突然起了变化。人山人海静下来，保罗就用希伯来语对他们说：“诸位父兄请听，我现在对你们分诉。”一听见这圣洁的声音，众人“就更加安静了。”在这普遍的静默中，保罗继续说：{LP 218.2}[9]
§20
“Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people.” The gesture attracted their attention, while his bearing commanded respect. The scene changed as suddenly as when Christ drove the traffickers from the temple courts. Quiet fell upon the sea of heads below, and then Paul addressed the throng in the Hebrew language, saying, “Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now unto you.” At the sound of that holy tongue,?there was “a great silence,” and in the universal hush, he continued:—?{LP 218.2}[9]
§21
“我原是犹太人，生在基利家的大数，长在这城里，在迦玛列门下，按着我们祖宗严紧的律法受教，热心事奉上帝，像你们众人今日一样”（徒22：3）。没有人能反驳保罗的这一句话，因为他所提到的事实是当时许多住在耶路撒冷的人所熟知的。于是他讲到自己过去热心逼迫基督的门徒，甚至把他们治死。然后他叙述自己悔改的奇妙经过，并告诉众人，他那一颗骄傲的心如何终于向钉十字架的拿撒勒人耶稣降服了。如果他想和众人辩论的话，他们就必顽强地不肯听他；但他所讲的经验带有令人感服的能力，似乎一时熔化并折服了他们的心。{LP 219.1}[10]
§22
“I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.” None could deny the apostle’s statements, and there were many present who could testify to their truthfulness. He then acknowledged his former zeal in persecuting “this way unto the death,” and narrated the circumstances of his wonderful conversion, telling his hearers how his own proud heart had been brought to bow to the crucified Nazarene. Had he attempted to enter into argument with his opponents, they would have stubbornly refused to listen to his words; but this relation of his experience was attended with a convincing power that for the time seemed to soften and subdue their hearts.?{LP 219.1}[10]
§23
保罗随即设法说明他在外邦人中的工作不是出于自己选择。他原来想为自己的同胞作工，但在圣殿里见异象时上帝的声音曾向他说话，差他“远远的往外邦人那里去”。到此为止，众人一直是凝神倾听的，但保罗一讲到自己奉命在外邦人中作基督的使者时，他们的愤怒就重新发作了。他们素来以自己为天之骄子，所以不愿意让外邦人分享他们所一向看为自己所独有的特权。民族的骄傲压制了本来可以影响他们理智，博得他们得尊敬的每一条理由。他们怒气冲冲地打断他的话，异口同声地说：“这样的人，从世上除掉他吧！他是不当活着的” （徒22：22）。众人在激动之余摔掉衣服，就像多年前司提反殉道时那样，并且狂怒地把灰尘向空中扬起来。{LP 219.2}[11]
§24
He then endeavored to show that his work among the Gentiles had not been from choice. He had desired to labor for his own nation; but in that very temple the voice of God had spoken to him in holy vision, directing his course “far hence, unto the Gentiles.” Hitherto the people had given close attention, but when he reached the point in his history where he was appointed Christ’s ambassador to the Gentiles, their fury broke forth anew. Accustomed to look upon themselves as the only people favored of God, they could not endure the thought that the despised Gentiles should share the privilege which had hitherto belonged exclusively to themselves. National pride bore down every argument which?could influence their reason or command their reverence. An outburst of rage interrupted his speech, as all with one voice cried out, “Away with such a fellow from the earth; for it is not fit that he should live!” In their excitement they flung off their garments, as they had done years before at the martyrdom of Stephen, and threw dust into the air with frantic violence.?{LP 219.2}[11]
§25
新的骚乱令千夫长大为困惑。他听不懂保罗所讲的希伯来语，就断定保罗一定犯了什么大罪，才使得群情激昂。百姓大喊大叫要求把保罗交给他们，这使千夫长很担心。他就吩咐立即将保罗带进营楼，叫人用鞭子拷问，迫使他承认自己的罪过。{LP 220.1}[12]
§26
This fresh outbreak threw the Roman captain into great perplexity. He had not understood Paul’s Hebrew address, and concluded from the general excitement that his prisoner must be guilty of some great crime. The loud demands of the people that Paul be delivered into their hands made the commander tremble. He ordered him to be immediately taken unto the barracks and examined by scourging, that he might be forced to confess his guilt.?{LP 220.1}[12]
§27
保罗像一个普通的重犯被四肢摊开挨鞭打，没有一个朋友站在旁边。他在罗马军营里，周围都是野蛮的兵士。但现在他像上次在腓立比一样，提出自己作为罗马公民的权利，救自己摆脱屈辱的境遇，为福音争取优势。{LP 220.2}[13]
§28
The body of the apostle was stretched out, like that of a common malefactor, to receive the lashes. There was no friend to stand by him. He was in a Roman barrack, surrounded only by brutal soldiers. But, as on a former occasion at Philippi, he now rescued himself from this degradation, and gained advantage for the gospel, by appealing to his rights as a Roman citizen.?{LP 220.2}[13]
§29
他随即对负责审讯的百夫长说：“人是罗马人，又没有定罪，你们鞭打他，有这个例吗?”百夫长马上去报告千夫长说：“你要作什么?这人是个罗马人” （徒22：25，26）。{LP 220.3}[14]
§30
He quietly said to the centurion who had been appointed to superintend this examination, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?” The centurion immediately went and told the chief captain, saying, “Take heed what thou doest; for this man is a Roman.”?{LP 220.3}[14]
§31
吕西亚听到这话，就害怕起来。一个罗马公民在合法定罪以前是不能受处罚的，更不能以这种方式拷问。千夫长深知保护公民权利之法律的尊严。如果保罗所说的是真的，他对待保罗的行为，就是触犯了这些法律。{LP 220.4}[15]
§32
On hearing this, Lysias was alarmed for himself. A Roman might not be punished before he had been legally condemned, nor punished in?this manner at all. The chief captain well knew how stringent were the laws protecting the rights of citizenship, and that if the statement were true he had, in his proceedings against Paul, violated these laws.?{LP 220.4}[15]
§33
他马上亲自来问保罗百夫长的报告是否属实。保罗向他保证他确是罗马公民。千夫长说：“我用了许多银子，才入了罗马的民藉。”保罗说：“我生来就是。”原定的拷问不再进行了，审讯他的人离开了他。但保罗仍被拘留，因为他犯罪的性质还没有弄清楚。{LP 221.1}[16]
§34
He immediately went in person to the prisoner, and questioned him concerning the truth of the centurion’s report. Paul assured him that he was indeed a Roman citizen; and when the officer exclaimed, “With a great sum obtained I this freedom,” Paul declared, “But I was free born.” The preparation for torture went no farther, and those commissioned to conduct his examination left him. Paul was, however, still held in custody, as the nature of his offense had not yet been inquired into.?{LP 221.1}[16]
§35
第二天，千夫长召集犹太公会和大祭司，把保罗从营楼里带出，由士兵严加保护，以防人谋害他。使徒站在公会之前，他过去曾是其中一员，定司提反罪的也正是这个公会。在他脑海里生动地浮现出过去的那一幕景象，以及他自己曾如何积极参与给上帝的仆人判罪的情形。当他看着这些担任他审判者的人时，他认出其中有许多是他在迦玛列学校的同学，曾和他一起逼迫耶稣的门徒。他们现在急于要处死保罗，像过去处死司提反那样。{LP 221.2}[17]
§36
On the next day the chief captain summoned a meeting of the Jewish Sanhedrim, with the high priest, and brought Paul down from the castle, under the protection of a sufficient force to guard against any attempt upon his life. The apostle now stood in the presence of that council of which he himself had been a member,—that council by which Stephen had been condemned. The memory of that scene, and of his own efforts to secure the condemnation of the servant of Christ, came vividly before his mind. As he looked upon those who were to be his judges, he recognized many who had been his associates in the school of Gamaliel, and who had also united with him in persecuting the disciples of Jesus. They were now as eager to put Paul to death as they had been to destroy Stephen.?{LP 221.2}[17]
§37
保罗泰然自若，脸上显出基督的平安，但他问心无愧的表情激怒了指控他的人。保罗说“弟兄们，我在上帝面前行事为人都是凭着良心，直到今日”（徒23：1）。这话重新燃起了他们的仇恨。大祭司下令打他的嘴。听到这样蛮横的命令，保罗说：“你这粉饰的墙，上帝要打你！你坐堂为的是按律法审问我，你竟违背律法，吩咐人打我么?”他说这话并不是出于感情的冲动。在圣灵的感动下，他发出了预言性的斥责，就像耶稣斥责犹太人的伪善一样。这个邪恶伪善的大祭司在后来的犹太战争中被人暗杀，从而可怕地应验了保罗的宣判。可是旁边的人却认为保罗的话是亵渎，惊恐地说：“你辱骂上帝的大祭司么?”保罗凭他一贯的礼貌说：“弟兄们，我不晓得他是大祭司；经上记着说不可毁谤你百姓的官长”（徒23：4，5）。{LP 221.3}[18]
§38
The apostle’s bearing was calm and firm. The peace of Christ, ruling in his heart, was expressed upon his countenance. But his look of conscious?innocence offended his accusers, and when he fearlessly addressed them, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day,” their hatred was kindled afresh, and the high priest ordered him to be smitten upon the mouth. At this inhuman command, Paul exclaimed, “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall, for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?” These words were not an outburst of passion. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Paul uttered a prophetic denunciation similar to that which Christ had uttered in rebuking the hypocrisy of the Jews. The judgment pronounced by the apostle was terribly fulfilled when the iniquitous and hypocritical high priest was murdered by assassins in the Jewish war. But the bystanders regarded the words of Paul as profane, and exclaimed with horror, “Revilest thou God’s high priest?” Paul answered, with his usual courtesy, “I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.”?{LP 221.3}[18]
§39
保罗深知自己没有希望在这个法庭上得到公正的判决。他天然的敏锐和机智使他利用了当时的环境。犹太公会由法利赛人和撒都该人组成，他们在复活的教义上有不同的意见。保罗知道这一点，就用清楚明确的声音喊着说：“弟兄们，我是法利赛人，也是法利赛人的子孙，我现在受审问，是为盼望死人复活”（徒23：6）。{LP 222.1}[19]
§40
Paul was convinced that he could not hope for a fair trial and just decision at this tribunal. And his natural penetration and shrewdness enabled him to take advantage of the circumstances. The Sanhedrim council was made up of Pharisees and Sadducees, who had long been at variance upon the doctrine of the resurrection. Knowing this, the apostle cried out, in clear, decided tones, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.”?{LP 222.1}[19]
§41
他的话引起了赞成他复活道理之人的同情，使会场的气氛发生了变化，这两个党派人开始自相争执起来，结果他们对付保罗的力量就分散了。他们不管在反对福音的事上有多少一致，但在宗教信仰上却有着不可调和的矛盾。法利赛人看见保罗是反对他们强大对手的卫士，就很高兴，他们对撒都该人的仇恨超过了对基督和使徒的仇恨。他们热心地为保罗辩护，说的话和多年前迦玛列所说的一样。“我们看不出这人有什么恶处，倘若有鬼魂或是天使对他说过话，怎么样呢” （徒23：9）？{LP 222.2}[20]
§42
These words, appealing to the sympathies of?those who agreed with him in regard to the resurrection, brought a change in the council. The two parties began to dispute among themselves, and thus the strength of their opposition against Paul was broken; for however well united they were in warring against the gospel, they were divided by an insurmountable barrier in other matters of religious faith. The Pharisees flattered themselves that they had found in Paul a champion against their powerful rivals; and their hatred against the Sadducees was even greater than their hatred against Christ and his apostles. With great vehemence they now began to vindicate Paul, using nearly the same language that Gamaliel had used many years before: “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.”?{LP 222.2}[20]
§43
审判还没有完，法庭上就乱成一团，撒都该人竭力想把保罗夺过来，置于死地，而法利赛人则竭力要保护他。他们在斗争中似乎又要把他扯碎了。吕西亚得知这事后，马上下令派兵去把保罗抢出来，带到营楼去。{LP 223.1}[21]
§44
The sentence was hardly completed before the judgment hall became a scene of the wildest confusion. The Sadducees were eagerly trying to get possession of the apostle, that they might put him to death, and the Pharisees were as eagerly trying to protect him. Again it seemed that he would be torn in pieces by the angry combatants. Lysias, being informed of what was taking place, immediately gave orders to his soldiers to bring the prisoner without delay back to the fortress.?{LP 223.1}[21]
§45
风云多变的一天过去了。到晚上保罗仍关在罗马军营里，粗鲁的士兵是他唯一的伴侣，他们粗鄙的玩笑和令人作呕的亵渎是落入他耳中唯一的话。他现在既没有仇敌的搅扰，也没有朋友的同情和支持，前途一片渺茫。他担心自己的作法或许不能蒙上帝喜悦。他想，他究竟该不该到耶路撒冷来呢?难道他追求与弟兄团结的努力反倒造成这样不幸的后果么? {LP 223.2}[22]
§46
Thus closed the scenes of this eventful day. Evening found Paul still in the Roman barrack, the rude soldiery his sole companions, their brutal jests and revolting blasphemy the only sounds that fell upon his ear. He was not now nerved up by the presence of his enemies, nor was he supported by the sympathy of his friends.?The future seemed enveloped in darkness. He feared that his course might not have been pleasing to God. Could it be that he had made a mistake after all in this visit to Jerusalem? Had his great desire to be in union with his brethren led to this disastrous result??{LP 223.2}[22]
§47
犹太人作为上帝的选民，在不信上帝的世人面前所有的表现使保罗深感痛心。那些异教的军官对于他们将有什么看法呢?——他们一面称自己是敬拜上帝并负有圣职的，而一面完全为盲目，无理性的狂热所冲动，并企图毁灭那些在信仰上敢于持不同意见的弟兄们，结果竟让自己最严肃的议会变成混乱和纷争的场所，连罗马的元老院和法庭也望尘莫及。上帝的圣工受到侮辱，他国家宗教的名声受到破坏。{LP 224.1}[23]
§48
The position which the Jews as God’s professed people occupied before an unbelieving world, caused the apostle intense anguish of spirit. How would those heathen officers look upon their conduct,—claiming to be worshipers of Jehovah, and assuming sacred office, yet giving themselves up to the control of blind, unreasoning passion, seeking to destroy even their brethren who dared to differ from them in religious faith, and turning their most solemn deliberative council into a scene of strife and wild confusion such as Roman senators or magistrates would not stoop to engage in. The cause of his God had been reproached, his national religion brought into disrepute.?{LP 224.1}[23]
§49
现在保罗被下在监里，他的仇敌在极度仇恨之余，将要不择手段将他害死。难道他为众教会所作的工作就此结束了，今后只得任凭凶暴的豺狼进到羊群里来吗?基督的圣工的重担常压在保罗心上，念念不忘，所以他以深切的焦虑思念到各地教会面临的危险。因为他们随时都可能遭到他在公会面前所遇见的这一等人的逼迫。在苦闷与灰心之余，保罗只得痛苦祈祷。这时，主并没有忘记祂的仆人。祂曾拯救保罗脱离圣殿里暴徒的手；当保罗站在公会前的时候，祂曾与他同在；祂也在营楼里同保罗在一起，现在也乐意向这个忠心的见证人显现。就像在以前好几次严峻的时刻一样，保罗在夜间见了一个异象，使他得到鼓励和安慰。以前当他在哥林多亚居拉和百基拉家里，考虑离开那城前往更安全更有利的园地时，也曾见过这样的异象。主站在他旁边对他说：“放心吧！你怎样在耶路撒冷为我作见证，也必怎样在罗马为我作见证”（徒23：11）。保罗久已盼望访问罗马，他极愿在那里为基督作见证，但他感到自己的计划被犹太人的仇恨破坏了。就是现在，他也没有想到自己终要以囚犯的身份往罗马去。{LP 224.2}[24]
§50
And now he was in prison, and his enemies, in their desperate malice, would resort to any means to put him to death. Could it be that his work for the churches was closed, and that ravening wolves were to enter in, not sparing the flock? The cause of Christ was near his heart, and with deep anxiety he contemplated the perils of the scattered churches, exposed to the persecutions of just such men as he had encountered in the Sanhedrim council. In distress and discouragement he wept and prayed. The Lord was not unmindful of his servant. He had guarded him from the murderous throng in the temple courts, he had been with him before the Sanhedrim council, he was with him in the fortress, and was pleased to reveal himself to his faithful witness. As on?trying occasions several times before, Paul was now comforted and encouraged by a vision in the night season. Such as visitation had been granted him in the house of Aquila and Priscilla at Corinth, when he was contemplating leaving the city for a more safe and prosperous field. And now the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” Paul had long looked forward to a visit to Rome; he greatly desired to witness for Christ there, but had felt that his purposes were frustrated by the enmity of the Jews. He little thought even now, that it would be as a prisoner of the Lord, that he would go to Rome.?{LP 224.2}[24]
§51
在夜深人静之际，正当主访问他灰心的仆人时，保罗的敌人却在急于设计杀害他。“到了天亮，犹太人同谋起誓，说：‘若不先杀保罗就不吃不喝。’这样同心起誓的有四十多人”（徒23：12，13）。这正是上帝藉以赛亚的口所谴责的禁食——一种“互相竞争，以凶恶拳头打人”的禁食(赛58：4)。犹太人就这样设法给他们的凶残计划披上宗教外衣。这四十个人起了毒誓以后，就来见祭司长和公会议员，说明他们意图。他们打算让保罗再次被带到法庭受审，当他从营楼里出来，暗杀者就在路上埋伏杀他。这是一桩掩盖在宗教热情之下的可怕罪行。祭司和官长们非但没有责备这种残酷的毒计反而热烈地予以赞同。保罗先前把大祭司亚拿尼亚比作一个“粉饰的墙”，实在不错。{LP 225.1}[25]
§52
In the peaceful hours of the night, while the Lord was visiting his discouraged servant, the enemies of Paul were eagerly plotting his destruction. “And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.” Here was such a fast as the Lord through Isaiah had condemned many years before,—a fast “for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness.” The Jews thus sought to give to their diabolical plan the sanction of religion. Having fortified themselves by their dreadful oath, they came to the chief priests and members of the Sanhedrim, and made known their purpose. It was proposed to request that Paul be again brought before the court as if for a further investigation of his case, and that the assassins would lie in wait and murder him while on his way from the fortress. Such was the horrible?crime masked under a show of religious zeal. Instead of rebuking the Satanic scheme, the priests and rulers eagerly acceded to it. Paul had spoken the truth when he compared Ananias to a whited sepulcher.?{LP 225.1}[25]
§53
要不是上帝出来干涉这件事拯救祂仆人的性命，他们的阴谋就要付诸实行了。当彼得受到囚禁被判死刑的时候，弟兄们为救他曾昼夜献上恳切的祈祷。可是对于这个被视为背叛摩西，传播危险道理的人，人们却没有表现出这样的关心。保罗之所以能免遭残杀，不是由于那些提出建议让他落入如此境地的长老们，而是他一位警觉的亲戚对他的同情。{LP 226.1}[26]
§54
The next day the plot would have been carried into effect, had not God by his providence interposed to save the life of his servant. When Peter had been made a prisoner and condemned to death, the brethren had offered earnest prayer to God day and night for his deliverance. But no such interest was manifested in behalf of him who was looked upon as an apostate from Moses, a teacher of dangerous doctrines. It was not to the elders whose counsel had brought him into this dangerous position, but to the watchful sympathy of a relative, that Paul owed his escape from a violent death.?{LP 226.1}[26]
§55
保罗的外甥与他关系十分密切。当他听说这谋杀的阴谋，就毫不犹疑地来告诉他的舅父。保罗马上叫来一个百夫长，要他带这个青年人去见千夫长，说有要事相告。于是青年人被带到革老丢吕西亚那里。吕西亚和蔼地接见了这个青年，把他拉到一边，询问详细情况。青年人就把这个阴谋一五一十地述说出来，并恳切祈求千夫长不要批准再把保罗带到公会面前。吕西亚留心地听着。他看出局面的困难就马上考虑了自己的计划。可是他又注意不泄露出来，就打发青年人走，只是嘱咐他：“不要告诉人你将这事报给我了”（徒23：22）。{LP 226.2}[27]
§56
A nephew of the apostle, to whom he was strongly attached, heard of the murderous conspiracy, and without delay reported the matter to his uncle. Paul immediately called for one of the centurions, and requested him to take the young man to the commandant, saying that he had important information to give him. The youth was accordingly brought in before Claudius Lysias, who received him kindly, and taking him aside, inquired the nature of his message. The young man related the particulars of the conspiracy, and with deep feeling entreated the commandant not to grant the request which would be surely made, that Paul be again brought before the council. Lysias listened with close attention. He saw the difficulties of the situation, and instantly formed his plans. Choosing, however, not to reveal them, he dismissed the?youth, with the single admonition: “See thou tell no man that thou hast showed these things to me.”?{LP 226.2}[27]
§57
青年人走后，“千夫长便叫了两个百夫长来，说：‘预备步兵二百，马兵七十，长枪手二百，今夜亥初往凯撒利亚去；也要预备牲口叫保罗骑上，护送到巡抚腓力斯那里去’” （徒23：23，24）。{LP 227.1}[28]
§58
When the young man had gone, the commandant “called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; and provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.”?{LP 227.1}[28]
§59
吕西亚很高兴有机会把保罗脱手。保罗是这么多人痛恨的对象，他的在场引起了这么广泛的激动，以致民间随时都有可能发生暴乱，其结果会危及千夫长本人。当时犹太民族处在易受刺激的紧张情绪之下，民间时常发生骚乱。不久以前，一位职务比吕西亚高得多的罗马军官，因收受撒玛利亚人的贿赂，被疯狂的犹太人强行抓走带到耶路撒冷城墙附近，最后被杀了头。因受嫌犯有同样的罪，还有一些高级军官被监禁受屈辱。如果保罗被杀了，千夫长就会被指控受贿默许这事，现在有了充分的理由把他秘密送走，以摆脱这个令人为难的责任。{LP 227.2}[29]
§60
Lysias gladly improved this opportunity to get Paul off his hands. He was the object of so great animosity, and his presence created so widespread an excitement, that a riot might occur among the people at any time, with consequences dangerous to the commandant himself. The Jews as a people were in a state of excitement and irritation, and tumults were of frequent occurrence. A short time previous, a Roman knight of far higher rank than Lysias himself, had been violently taken and dragged by the maddened Jews around the walls of Jerusalem, and finally beheaded, because he received a bribe from the Samaritans. Upon the suspicion of similar crimes, other high officials had been imprisoned and disgraced. Should Paul be murdered, the chief captain might be charged with having been bribed to connive at his death. There was now sufficient reason to send him away secretly, and thus get rid of an embarrassing responsibility.?{LP 227.2}[29]
§61
他既要把保罗解走，就不可耽延片刻。到了晚上九点，一队士兵把保罗夹在当中走出了营楼，穿过黑暗寂静的耶路撒冷街道，迅速前往凯撒利亚。到了离耶路撒冷三十五英里的安提帕底，他们停了下来。现在没有偷袭的危险。到了早上，四百个步兵和长枪手被遣回耶路撒冷，马兵则继续前进。{LP 227.3}[30]
§62
It was important that no time be lost. At nine in the evening, the body of soldiers, with Paul in the midst, marched out of the fortress, and through the dark and silent streets of the city, and at a rapid pace pursued their journey toward Caesarea. At Antipatris, thirty-five miles?from Jerusalem, the travelers halted. There was now little danger of attack, and in the morning the four hundred foot-soldiers were sent back to Jerusalem, while the horsemen continued their journey.?{LP 227.3}[30]
§63
从安提帕底到凯撒利亚只有二十五英里，保罗在光天化日之下，由七十个马兵护送出了城。他目前的护送同他几天前在卑微的基督徒们陪伴下离开凯撒利亚的情形是多么不同啊！虽然他的处境变了，腓利和其他基督徒同道还是认出了他。他们为所预感的事这么快就发生而感到震惊，悲伤。{LP 228.1}[31]
§64
The distance from Antipatris to Caesarea was but twenty-five miles, and it was in the broad light of day that Paul, attended by “threescore and ten horsemen,” entered the city. How unlike his present escort was the humble Christian company that had attended him on the journey from Caesarea but a few days before! Notwithstanding his changed surroundings, he was recognized by Philip and others of his Christian associates, whose hearts were shocked and saddened at the swift realization of their forebodings.?{LP 228.1}[31]
§65
领队的百夫长把囚犯保罗交给腓力斯，同时交出千夫长所送去的信。信里说：{LP 228.2}[32]
§66
The centurion in charge of the detachment delivered his prisoner to Felix the governor, also presenting a letter with which he had been intrusted by the chief captain:—?{LP 228.2}[32]
§67
“革老丢吕西亚，请巡抚腓力斯大人安。这人被犹太人拿住，将要杀害，我得知他是罗马人，就带兵丁下去救他出来。因要知道他们告他的缘故，我就带他下到他们的公会去，便查知他被告是因他们律法的辩论，并没有什么该死该绑的罪名。后来有人把要害他的计谋告诉我，我就立时解他到你那里去，又吩咐告他的人在你面前告他”（徒23：26-30）。{LP 228.3}[33]
§68
“Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them; then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council; whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.”?{LP 228.3}[33]
§69
腓力斯读了这信之后，便问保罗是哪省的人，既晓得他是基利家人，就下令把他看守在希律的衙门里，表示等告他的人从耶路撒冷过来之后，他就听取案情。{LP 228.4}[34]
§70
After reading the communication, Felix inquired to what province the prisoner belonged,?and being informed that he was of Cilicia, he ordered him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall, stating that he would hear the case when the accusers also should come from Jerusalem.?{LP 228.4}[34]
§71
上帝的仆人竟在外邦人中找到避难所，逃脱那些自称为耶和华子民之人的毒手，这样的事还不以保罗为第一个例子呢！犹太人如此仇恨保罗，就在自己的黑暗历史上又添上了一面。他们已经更进一步地硬了心肠拒绝真理，藉此使自己的厄运更为确定。{LP 229.1}[35]
§72
The case of Paul was not the first in which a servant of God had found among the heathen an asylum from the malice of the professed people of Jehovah. In their rage against Paul, the Jews had added another crime to the dark catalogue which marked the history of that people. They had still further hardened their hearts against the truth, and had rendered their doom more certain.?{LP 229.1}[35]
§73
基督在拿撒勒的会堂里宣布自己为“受膏者”时所讲的话，到现在还没有多少人明白它的意义。那时祂声明了自己来安慰，赐福并拯救伤心和有罪之人的使命，随后，祂既看到听众心中所充满的骄傲和不信，就提醒他们说，上帝过去曾经因祂选民的不信和悖逆而转离他们，反而向一些没有拒绝上天所赐之亮光的外邦人显示自己。撒勒法的寡妇和叙利亚的乃缦都曾遵照他们所得到的一切亮光而行，故此他们要比那些冷淡退后，离开上帝，为便利和世俗的尊荣而牺牲原则的选民更算为义。{LP 229.2}[36]
§74
There are but few who perceive the full import of the words of Christ, when in the synagogue at Nazareth he announced himself as the Anointed One. He declared his mission to comfort, bless, and save the sorrowing and the sinful, and then, seeing that pride and unbelief controlled the hearts of his hearers, he reminded them how God had in time past turned away from his chosen people, because of their unbelief and rebellion, and had manifested himself to those in a heathen land who had not rejected the light from Heaven. The widow of Sarepta and Naaman the Syrian had lived up to all the light they had. Hence they were accounted more righteous than God’s chosen people who had backslidden from him, and sacrificed principle to convenience and worldly honor.?{LP 229.2}[36]
§75
贪爱世俗和宴乐的人是不可能正确地欣赏上帝所发纠正祂子民错误的警告和责备的。他们不可能辨别忠心仆人的真诚和不忠心仆人浅薄和庸俗的精神。一个人宣布报应之剑快要临到，而另一个人却把灾难的日子推得远远的。一个人忠心地指责罪恶，另一个人却原谅和掩饰罪过。当上帝的选民离开主并放弃纯正的信仰时，他们就会觉得祂使者的话不必要这么严厉。他们心怀偏见和不信，最后完全站在撒但一边。撒但的建议似乎是动听合味的，他们在精神上和见解上既受这位大骗子控制，让他指导他们的思想，他们不久就会让他指挥他们的行动了。{LP 229.3}[37]
§76
It is impossible for the worldly and pleasure-loving to rightly value the messages of warning and reproof which God sends to correct the errors of his people. They cannot distinguish between the earnestness and zeal of the faithful servant, and the trifling, superficial spirit of him who is unfaithful. One declares that the sword?is coming; the other puts far off the evil day. One faithfully reproves sin; the other excuses and palliates it. As the professed people of God depart from him and lose the simplicity of the faith, the words of his messengers seem to them unnecessarily harsh and severe. They cherish prejudice and unbelief, and finally place themselves fully on Satan’s side. His suggestions seem pleasant and palatable; they are controlled, in spirit and opinion, by the arch-deceiver, and having permitted him to direct their thoughts, they soon permit him to direct their actions.?{LP 229.3}[37]
§77
基督告诉拿撒勒的犹太人说，上帝忠心的使者在背道的以色列中竟找不到一个安全的所在，如此祂说明了一个可怕的事实。那时以色列人竟看不出以利亚的高贵品质，也不能赏识他工作的价值。他们虽然夸耀自己是为上帝的尊荣和以色列的幸福大发热心，但实际上他们正是破坏了这两件事。他们在教训和榜样上正在带领百姓越走越远离顺从上帝的道路，以致祂再不能在他们遭难的时候作他们的保障。上帝差遣以利亚到撒勒法的寡妇那里，是因为祂不能把他委托给以色列人。{LP 230.1}[38]
§78
Christ presented before the assembly at Nazareth a fearful truth when he declared that with backsliding Israel there was no safety for the faithful messenger of God. They would not know his worth, or appreciate his labors. While they professed to have great zeal for the honor of God and the good of Israel, they were the worst enemies of both. They were by precept and example leading the people farther and farther from obedience to God and purity and simplicity of faith,—leading them where he could not reveal himself as their defense in the day of trouble. God sent Elijah to the widow of Sarepta, because he could not trust him with Israel.?{LP 230.1}[38]
§79
这些令人扎心的责备，虽然是由天上的君王发出的，拿撒勒的犹太人仍不愿意听。他们刚刚听见从祂口中发出恩言，上帝的灵向他们的心灵说话。可是他们一听到责备的话，听说外邦人竟比他们更配得上帝的恩惠，这些骄傲不信的犹太人就暴怒如狂。要不是天使出来搭救，上帝的儿子要被他们杀害了。这些犹太人对基督表现出他们的祖宗对待以利亚的同样精神。他们被撒但弄瞎了心眼，不能识别上帝儿子的神圣品格，以及祂教训的纯洁和真实。{LP 230.2}[39]
§80
These cutting reproofs, though presented by the Majesty of Heaven, the Jews of Nazareth refused to hear. They had but a moment before witnessed to the gracious words that proceeded from his lips; the Spirit of God was speaking to their hearts; but the instant a reflection was cast upon them,—at the first intimation that persons of other nations could be more worthy of the favor of God than they,—those proud,?unbelieving Jews were frantic with rage. They would have taken the life of the Son of God, had not angels interposed for his deliverance. Those men of Nazareth manifested the same spirit toward Christ which their forefathers had manifested toward Elijah. Blinded by Satan, they could not perceive the divine character of the Son of God, or appreciate the truth and purity of his instructions.?{LP 230.2}[39]
§81
救主向拿撒勒人所讲谴责的话，在保罗的这个事件上，非但可以用在不信主的犹太人身上，也能用在保罗自己的同道弟兄身上。如果教会的领袖们能完全放弃他们对于保罗所怀的成见，而接待他为一位特蒙上帝选召去向外邦人传福音的使者，上帝就一定会让保罗继续留在他们中间从事救灵工作。那位从起初就看到末了，并能洞察万人之心的上帝，看出对保罗抱有的嫉妒会有什么后果。上帝的旨意原不是要保罗的工作那么迅速结束，但上帝没有施行一个神迹来抵消他们的作风所引起的一连串事件。{LP 231.1}[40]
§82
The Saviour’s words of reproof to the men of Nazareth apply in the case of Paul, not only to the unbelieving Jews, but to his own brethren in the faith. Had the leaders in the church fully surrendered their feelings of bitterness toward the apostle, and accepted him as one specially called of God to bear the gospel to the Gentiles, the Lord would have spared him to them to still labor for the salvation of souls. He who sees the end from the beginning, and who understands the hearts of all, saw what would be the result of the envy and jealousy cherished toward Paul. God had not in his providence ordained that Paul’s labors should so soon end; but he did not work a miracle to counteract the train of circumstances to which their own course gave rise.?{LP 231.1}[40]
§83
这同样的精神今日依然导致相同的结果。教会已经因不感戴，不利用上帝所赐的恩惠而丧失了许多福气。往往教会里的弟兄们如果真能赏识到一个忠心传道人的贡献，上帝就必要使他长久在那里工作。但如果教会让人类的仇敌来迷惑他们的思想，以致误会并曲解基督仆人的言行，又阻挡并妨碍他的工作，上帝就会收回他所赐的恩典。{LP 231.2}[41]
§84
The same spirit is still leading to the same results. A neglect to appreciate and improve the provisions of divine grace, has deprived the church of many a blessing. How often would the Lord have prolonged the life of some faithful minister, had his labors been appreciated. But if the church permit the enemy of souls to pervert their understanding, so that they misrepresent and misinterpret the words and acts of the servant of Christ; if they allow themselves?to stand in his way and hinder his usefulness, the Lord removes from them the blessing which he gave.?{LP 231.2}[41]
§85
撒但经常利用他的爪牙去摧毁并折磨上帝所拣选来完成一番重大工作的人。这些人虽然全心为推进基督的圣工而努力，甚至愿意为此而牺牲性命，但那大骗子撒但还要唆使弟兄们猜疑，嫉妒，不信任他们。如果真让这种思想得势的话，就足以使众人不再信任这些忠心的工人，结果也就影响到他们的工作效能。往往撒但很成功地利用弟兄们，使这些受着逼迫的上帝忠仆非常痛心，甚至慈怜的上帝不得不出来干涉，使祂的仆人得到“安息”，及至这些仆人的手已经冷静静地放在自己停了脉息的胸膛上，而他们的口不再向人讲说警诫和勉励的话时，这些仆人的死亡或许能成就他们一生所未能成就的事。那些顽固不化的人也许才看出并珍视他们所弃绝的福惠。{LP 232.1}[42]
§86
Satan is constantly working through his agents to dishearten and destroy those whom God has chosen to accomplish a great and good work. They may be ready to sacrifice even their own life for the advancement of the cause of Christ, yet the great deceiver will suggest doubts, distrust, jealousy, concerning them, that if entertained will undermine confidence in their integrity of character, and thus cripple their usefulness. Too often he succeeds in working through their own brethren, to bring upon them such sorrow and anguish of heart that God graciously interposes to give his persecuted servants rest. After the hands are folded upon the pulseless breast, after the voice of warning and encouragement is silent, then death may accomplish that which life has failed to do; then the obdurate may be aroused to see and prize the blessings they have cast from them.?{LP 232.1}[42]
§87
我们作为基督徒的重大任务不是去论断别人的品格和动机，而是仔细省察自己的生活和心灵，警惕地防备自己上撒但的当。我们务要记住在上帝面前不是听律法的称义而是行律法的称义。如果上帝律法的原则在我们心中做主，我们就会表现基督的精神。在日常生活中证明怜恤胜过祭祀。每一个基督徒都应在基督的学校里学习，要坚持不懈地努力以达到圣经所要求的公义。每一个人都必须学习公义，谦卑，忍耐，纯洁和仁爱。这些品格的优点在上帝看来比奉献金银更加宝贵。它们比最贵重的祭牲更蒙上帝悦纳。{LP 232.2}[43]
§88
The great work for us as Christians is not to criticise the character and motives of others, but to closely examine our own heart and life, to jealously guard ourselves against the suggestions of Satan. We should bear in mind that it is not the hearers of the law that are justified before God, but the doers of the law. If the principles of God’s law rule in our hearts, we shall have the spirit of Christ; we shall manifest in our daily life that mercy which is better than sacrifice. Every Christian must be a learner in the school of Christ; and there is need of diligent and persevering effort to reach that standard of righteousness which God’s word requires.?Every one has a work to do to learn the lessons of justice, humility, patience, purity, and love. These traits of character are more precious in the sight of our Lord than offerings of gold or silver. They are more acceptable to him than the most costly sacrifice.?{LP 232.2}[43]
§89
今天和基督的时代一样，自称上帝子民的人同样不喜欢责备和纠正，同样存在依靠世界追随其幻影的倾向。野心，自私，趋炎附势的教友正在给教会造成危害。教会最大的危险就是与世界同流合污。这些教友不断施加影响要教会与世界更密切地联合。他们正在做撒但的工作。当上帝差遣祂仆人发出警告和劝诫的话时，这些背叛神圣委托的人就拒绝天上来的信息，如此不仅自己轻忽了基督的恩典，还引诱别人抑制醒悟的念头，从而失去所赐的福气。{LP 233.1}[44]
§90
There is the same dislike of reproof and correction among the professed people of God today as in the days of our Saviour. There is the same disposition to lean toward the world and to follow its mocking shadows. The presence of ambitious, selfish, time-serving members is imperiling the church, whose greatest danger is from worldly conformity. Such members are constantly exerting an influence to unite the church more closely with the world. They are doing the work of Satan. When God sends his servants with words of warning or counsel, these traitors to their holy trust reject the Heaven-sent message, and thus not only slight the grace of Christ themselves, but lead others also to smother their convictions and lose the proffered blessing.?{LP 233.1}[44]
§91
这些人因抵挡真理，变得心地刚硬，顽梗不化。他们正在自欺欺人。他们只是口头的基督徒，外表上效忠基督，参加圣殿的礼拜，心却远离耶稣。而耶稣重视的，正是内心的忠诚。他们按名是活的，实际上却是死的。他们被留在自己所选择的黑暗中，就是永远之夜的黑暗中。{LP 233.2}[45]
§92
By resistance to the truth, the hearts of such are settling down into the fatal hardness of confirmed impenitence. They are deceiving themselves, and deceiving others. They are Christians by profession; they pay outward homage to Christ; they unite in the services of the sanctuary; and yet the heart, whose loyalty alone Jesus prizes, is estranged from him. They have a name to live, but are dead. They are left to the darkness they have chosen,—the blackness of eternal night.?{LP 233.2}[45]
§93
自称是上帝儿女的人越过教会和世界的分界线，这是一件可怕的事。这些人是撒但最有效的工具。他通过他们不息不倦，热心而坚决地设计和实行一些普通罪人不可能做的恶计来对付忠于上帝的人。他们所轻视的光使他们的黑暗显得更为深沉。人一旦拒绝上帝凭怜悯送给他们的真光，就不知道自己会走到什么地步。他们只是一时离开正路一步，可是以后就一直朝毁灭走去。他们投身于撒但的阵地，受他的精神所控制。他们看不出自己身上已发生了巨大的变化。人是不会一下子变坏的，但他们既已离开基督的学校而进入撒但的学校，那大骗子就会培养他们为他工作。{LP 233.3}[46]
§94
It is a fearful thing for those who profess to be children of God, to cross the line of demarkation?that should separate the church from the world. Such are Satan’s most effective agents. He works through them with decision, zeal, and persistency, to devise and execute such enormities against those who are true to God, as the common sinner would seem incapable of. The very light they have slighted makes their darkness tenfold greater than it otherwise would be. When men refuse to accept the light which God in mercy sends them, they know not where they are going. They take only one step at a time away from the right path; but these successive steps lead directly to perdition. They place themselves on Satan’s ground, and his spirit controls them. They cannot perceive the great change in themselves. None are transformed at once; but they enter Satan’s school instead of the school of Christ, and the great deceiver educates them to do his work.?{LP 233.3}[46]